Campbell downs Appalachian State in SoCon opener

The matchup of the previous two SoCon team champions (Campbell in 2017, App State in 2018) included four extra time bouts and came down to the day's final match. Campbell moved to 3-0 in dual action, winning its SoCon opener, while Appalachian State was handed its first conference loss (2-1), dipping to 4-6 overall.

The Mountaineers pushed out to a 10-0 lead after the day's first three matches, including a major decision at heavyweight. At 197, No. 18 Randall Diabe used a takedown with 10 seconds to go in regulation, claiming a 3-1 decision over CU's Austin McNeill, his first dual loss of the year.

Campbell, however, bounced back with four straight wins, kick started by Korbin Meink's 4-2 sudden victory at 125 pounds over De'Andre Swinson-Barr. No. 15 Noah Gonser added a 4-1 decision at 133, and Nathan Boston gave Campbell its first lead of the day with a first period fall over 2018 SoCon Champion Irvin Enriquez, 12-10.

Campbell's 8th-ranked Josh Heil tacked on a 3-1 decision at 149, securing a sudden victory takedown over Matt Zovistoski and extending the Campbell lead to 15-10 with three bouts to go.

Back to back wins by the Mountaineers, including a major decision at 157 pounds and a sudden victory at 165, put App State back on top, 17-15, making 174 the winner take all matchup.

Morgan jumped on top with early back points, building a 6-0 lead, and extended his lead to 12-2 heading to the third before taking the 15-4 major decision over Thomas Flitz, and securing the 19-17 win for the Camels.

Next up, Campbell will take on The Citadel on February 3 before returning to Buies Creek on February 5, hosting Gardner-Webb.